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(03/11/09 4:00am)
On Feb. 23, San Francisco assemblyman, Tom Ammiano, proposed a bill that could potentially make California the first state in the U.S. to legalize marijuana. If passed, the bill would make it legal for people 21 and older to purchase marijuana. California is no stranger to marijuana legislation. It was the first state to legalize medicinal use of marijuana in 1996. The bill states it will, "remove all existing civil and criminal penalties for adults 21 years of age or older who cultivate, possess, transport, sell or use marijuana, without impacting existing laws proscribing dangerous activities while under the influence of marijuana, or certain conduct that exposes younger persons to marijuana." The Marijuana Policy Project states on its Web site, "The bill, A.B. 390, would not only allow personal use and cultivation of marijuana but would also set up a legal system to tax and regulate it similarly to alcohol." With California's economic crisis, regulating and taxing something people use might not be such a bad idea. Let's face it, people smoke marijuana and will continue to even when it is illegal. Why not organize it, set limits on the usage and find a way it can help the economic status of California? According to the National Organization to the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), the people of California pay $170 million a year to arrest and detain offenders of marijuana use. Greg Dennie, sophomore English major, sees the bill as a step in a good direction. "I think it is great. It will really free up a lot of jail space," Dennie said. Jail space is not the only way the bill could potentially help California. By taxing the sale of marijuana, NORML.com states that California could bring in "$1 billion annually in tax revenue." Sophomore accounting major Stacia Coffing is not so sure about the idea. Coffing would not like it if Ohio tried to legalize the use of marijuana. "California is in a lot of financial trouble, so if it works for them, fine. I am just happy I don't live in California," stated Coffing. "They just have to be careful, just like alcohol, people will abuse it." The bill states the tax revenues would go to "drug education and awareness." This is important. The fact that the bill mentions drug education shows that it is not trying to make money off of California's vices. Instead, the state will take into consideration something people are doing anyway and find the best way it can help the state's economy. I actually wish California the best of luck if the bill is passed. The state has a lot of hard work cut out for them, but with potentially good results. Marijuana has been labeled as the gateway drug, but in California's case, it might be its gateway out of an economic depression. t&c;REBEKAH CLEVENGER IS A SENIOR BROADCASTING AND JOURNALISM MAJOR AND STAFF WRITER FOR THE t&c.;
(02/26/09 5:00am)
The character Van Wilder was famous for his seven-year career as a college student, but research shows that his time spent in higher education is not all that outrageous. As a senior about to have a rude awakening to the so-called "real-world," taking after Wilder and not graduating doesn't sound that bad. Sleeping in, eating pizza and still being under mom and dad's health insurance are all things I love and will soon miss. In 2002's "National Lampoon's Van Wilder," the leading character, Wilder, puts off graduation to live the good life as a college student for almost seven years. My first reaction to the movie was that one could go through college twice in that time frame, but the idea of a degree in four years is not always accurate. I feel fortunate that I will be able to graduate from Otterbein in four years. Of the Otterbein autumn class of 2002, 52.2 percent graduated four years later, with an additional 12 percent finishing within the six-year mark. Barbara Wharton, director of institutional effectiveness and planning, explained that though Otterbein tracks all graduation rates, the government is mostly concerned with the percentage of students graduating within six years. With how expensive college is, especially Otterbein, it is awful that some have to accumulate even more debt because finishing in four years just was not possible for them. The Ohio State University has a graduation rate of 73 percent for the same time span, according to Ohio State's registrar's Web site. Trying to get in contact with Ohio State's registrar's office wasn't an easy task either. "It is hard to compare the two schools," Wharton said, who previously worked at OSU. "When comparing schools you have to look at schools with similar incoming [student] profiles." This means schools that have incoming freshman classes that are similar in things such as standardized test scores and just overall number of students. Wharton further explained one major difference between the two schools is the types of majors both schools offer. Many of Ohio State's departments of engineering usually take up to five years, and if you miss one math class or have to drop a class and retake it, that could completely ruin your plan to graduate on time. I personally have dropped a class due to having a busy schedule and picked it up the next year with zero problems. I am happy that I have a little flexibility in my scheduling. There is another reason that soon-to-be Otterbein graduates should feel lucky. Assistant to registrar services, Laurie Mayhew, said she starts "emailing students once they hit 135 credits." Yes, they may fill up our inboxes, but by giving us graduation updates, it gives us the best chance of graduating in a timely matter. I bet Mr. Wilder wishes he would have attended Otterbein College. t&c;REBEKAH CLEVENGER IS A SENIOR BROADCASTING AND JOURNALISM MAJOR AND STAFF WRITER FOR THE t&c.;
(01/30/09 5:00am)
I am a part-time server and admit, when I see a group of 18-year-olds seated in my section, I am not exactly excited. Today's typical college students, or anyone born between the 1980s and the year 2000, are considered members of Generation Y. Generationsatwork.com describes Generation Y as being "sociable, optimistic, talented, well-educated and open-minded." The list of positives mentions nothing about being good tippers. Now I thought that those who tipped poorly merely were, well to put it bluntly, cheap. In my research on tipping, however, I came across a Web site, passionsaving.com. The Web site has several recommendations that are reasonable, but some not so. It makes me wonder what impression someone who hasn't done the research on tipping thinks. I tend to think that there are a lot of people out there that don't understand how much servers do behind the scenes. I also believe that if they did, they would be a bit more generous. Besides that, students, of all people, should realize that when you see one of your peers waiting tables, they have the same bills, obligations and stresses-more reason to help your fellow 'millennial' out. Senior public relations major Grace Proctor is a former server who has experience serving young adults. She also admitted that she never looked forward to serving her peers. "I think many people don't tip well because they might not be working themselves," explained Proctor. Not leaving a large tip might make sense if you are living on a small budget, especially with today's economy. But if you can't afford to tip well, can you afford to eat out? Procter commented that there were numerous times she wanted to explain to customers, "Hey, I'm in school and have to be careful with money, too." Mike Lash is also a senior and has been a server for almost two years. Lash, an art major, serves part-time at Molly Woo's in the Polaris Mall. His tip earnings help pay rent, utility bills, and other expenses. Lash claims that when his section is seated with customers that are teenagers or in their early twenties, he attempts to have another server pick up the table. "I always predict the worst tip. Luckily, it's never as bad as I thought," said Lash. "But the tip is hardly ever 20 percent either." Lindsey Rudibaugh is a peer that I actually would not mind serving. Rudibaugh is a sophomore early childhood education major and says that her parents taught her at an early age to tip servers 20 percent. "I always use my cell phone to make sure I tip enough," said Rudibaugh. Not only does Rudibaugh understand that tipping goes along with the process of going out to eat, but she also understands another extreme pet peeve of servers: customers sitting too long at the table. Many times customers will order, eat and then sit at the table forever after finishing their meals. They ignore the fact that without tips, servers make next to nothing an hour. What they don't understand is that while a party sits at a table for hours, they are taking away from money the server could potentially earn. "My girlfriends and I are bad about sitting at a table for hours," explained Rudibaugh. "When we do I always try to tip the server much more than if we left immediately after eating." Brilliant girl. I wish more people thought of tipping the way she does. And as your peer, I beg of you to consider this next time you go out to eat. What would you think if you only received a tip of loose change and pocket fuzz? And remember, pocket fuzz doesn't pay the server's rent.t&c;
(01/05/09 5:00am)
Not only will this Saturday be the first time for Otterbein College's football team to host a home game in the NCAA Division 3 playoffs, but it will be their first playoff appearance in Otterbein football history after finishing 10th in the playoff rankings. Kickoff will be at noon at Otterbein's Memorial Stadium. The 9-1 Cardinals will host the 9-1 Grizzlies from Franklin College, of Franklin IN. Otterbein is one of the three schools from Ohio in the NCAA Division 3 playoffs. The other schools include Case Reserve and the favored Mount Union. Otterbein broke onto the NCAA Division 3 rankings after their 52-14 victory over Heidelberg week four. The Cardinals continued to climb the rankings every week, with their only set-back after the loss to Mount Union week nine. Both Franklin College and Otterbein were matched up with Baldwin Wallace during the regular season, the only similar opponent between the two schools, they had similar results. Otterbein defeated B.W. 42-28 week five of their season. Franklin opened their season with a victory over B.W. 42-35. Sunday, the seniors of the team learned of their official place in the playoffs and Otterbein history, while they were having a senior dinner with their parents in the Rike Center, coaches left the dinner and returned shortly to announce the fate of the Cardinals. Senior Co-Captain Andy Fries was there and is sure to remember the moment for a long time. "We were excited but not sure what to expect," Fries said. "We knew the selection would be on ESPN News around 3 PM," added senior full back and co-captain Brady Collins. "When the coaches made the announcement...that we had home field advantage, we were pumped." The Cardinals didn't have much time to celebrate. They knew they needed to focus their attention on the job at hand. Collins commented not only on the winning of games this season but the winning over of past and present fans. "We have been opening people's eyes, and gaining more respect throughout the season," Collins added. As far as the atmosphere for the Cardinals first playoff appearance, the players are hoping for a large turnout. "We need a packed stadium, we are expecting a lot of fans, we need that to win," Fries said. Is victory on the minds of the Cardinals? Of Course it is. To have the best chances in defeating Franklin College Saturday, "We need to get back to where we were during our first eight games," Fries added. Some attention has been on Franklin's starting quarterback, senior Chad Rupp. "I believe Otterbein has better athletes at every position," said Collins. Regarding Franklin's quarterback, "I'd take Jack [Rafferty] any day." This Saturday, the Cardinals will attempt a feat never before attempted by any other Otterbein football player before. Focus and keeping their heads straight is important, to say the least. "We will have to take care of business, but to us it is just another game," Collins added. t&c;
(01/05/09 5:00am)
President-elect Barack Obama will swear in as the first African-American president of the United States at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, and Otterbein College students will be there for the historic event. Students that are interested in attending the Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. are being asked to sign up for a lottery and 85 names will be drawn to join in a bus ride to Washington D.C. to experience the historical moment. Chris Hempfling, the Assistant Director for the Center for Community Engagement will be on the bus to D.C. In addition to the 85 students on the trip, there will also be numerous Otterbein faculty and staff. Hempfling described the event as a "collaboration." The Center for Community Engagement, Student Affairs and Academic Affairs are just a few that have helped to organize and plan the event. "With the collaboration of the different groups we were hoping to keep the cost of the trip to a minimum for students." said Hempfling. "Our goal was to keep it affordable." The cost of attending hasn't been set yet, but is predicted to be between $50 - $75 for what Hempfling describes as a "ticket to be a part of history." Claire Tinkler, a self-described devout Obama fan, has already added her name to the lottery. "I have been a supporter of Barack Obama since the primaries," Tinkler said. "I think it is an important moment in our country's history." Though tickets to the official inauguration are no longer available, it is hoped that the group attending will set up camp on Pennsylvania Avenue where the festivities can still be seen and heard. Marsha Robinson, an assistant professor of history and political science, is the current interim director of black studies here at Otterbein. Robinson has been described as the "brains of operation" of the bus trip to D.C. Robinson lived in Washington D.C. for four years and stood on Pennsylvania Avenue 16 years ago for the Clinton/Gore Inauguration. "The peaceful change of power...that is the magic of America." Robinson said. "America, at that moment, is something college students have not seen." Robinson commented strongly on the "marker between generations." She explained that this was the current generations cue to take over. Efforts are also being made for students to be able to experience the days history here on campus as well. Robinson said students should "stay tuned" because plans haven't been made official yet. Tinkler admitted that she would be disappointed if her name isn't drawn from the lottery, and plans to be "paying attention from Ohio" if she isn't picked. A form has been emailed to Otterbein students and is also available on the intranet site on Otterbein website. This form must be turned in to the Campus Center Office by Friday, Nov. 21. The drawing for the 85 spots will be held at noon that day. As of Wednesday Nov. 19, Kate Porubcansky, the assistant dean and director of the center for student involvement, says there haven't been 85 students to enter the lottery, so there is still room on the bus. "This is a great opportunity for college students...this is what college is all about," she said. t&c;
(11/05/08 5:00am)
Every quarter students are faced with the dreaded task of purchasing text books. For most students, seeing their professor's name on the text book is something that will never happen, but for students who have class with Professor Paul Laughlin, that might be a different story. Laughlin, professor and former chair of religion and philosophy, has been using his own book, "Getting Oriented: What Every Christian Should Know about Eastern Religions, but Probably Doesn't," in his Religion 380 class, Human Nature in World Religion and Philosophy. When he taught Integrative Studies (INST) 260, Human Nature in Christian Traditions, Laughlin used "Remedial Christianity: What Every Believer Should Know about the Faith, but Probably Doesn't." Originally, Laughlin used 6-7 textbooks to teach the INST class, but said it was "too pricey." Glenna Jackson, also a professor of religion and philosophy, went to Laughlin for advice in choosing a text book for INST 260, and he showed her his manuscript. Both Laughlin and Jackson used "Remedial Christianity" in classes while still in manuscript form, until Jackson pushed to have the work published. "Remedial Christianity" can be purchased on Amazon.com for $13.60, while "Getting Oriented" is listed a bit higher at $15.00. Josh Bope, senior history education major, doesn't see a problem in a professor using their own published work in class. "As long as they are objective, I don't see a major dilemma," said Bope. "I wish all of my books would cost $13." He mentioned another positive side saying "at least you know the professor thoroughly knows the topic." Freshman nursing major, Meghan Shull, disagrees. "You sit and listen to what the professor has to say during class, and then you have to read an extra 20 pages of their opinion afterward," she said. Laughlin views his text books as an economical benefit, and not a way to make more money. "I only make around $1.50 per copy sold," he said. "That's maybe enough to take my wife out to dinner each quarter, which I should do regardless of book sales." t&c;
(10/09/08 4:00am)
Originally planned to be completed in 2009, the reconstruction of the West Main Street Bridge has been delayed until 2010, leaving many students relieved of finding alternative routes to class during construction. The bridge was inspected Oct. 3 by the Bridge Design Department of the Franklin County engineer's office, and showed that there has been wear and tear on the exposed cables. Bridge Design engineer, Jim Pajk, blamed the bridge's poorly designed structure and weather conditions for the needed maintenance. Visible cables are used to strengthen the bridge, but Pajk explained that many more cables that cannot be seen support the bridge as well. "The bridge is safe," Pajk said, "but we would rather not wait." While there is a clear need for a new bridge and the engineers are ready to start, lack of funding has delayed the process. The money used to build a new bridge would come straight from Franklin County Engineer's funds, and that money isn't there. Applying for federal grants has been considered, but the money would take too long to acquire. The engineer's office is currently working on seven construction projects throughout the county. There are eight additional projects planned for the future and the Main Street bridge reconstruction is one of them. The design for a new bridge has already been created and once Franklin County Engineers have the resources, they will replace the current bridge. Current Otterbein seniors will not see changes during their remaining months, but come 2010, students with class in the Arts and Communication Building at 33 W. Collegeview, will have to find an alternate route to their classes during the reconstruction. Heather Weekley, a sophomore broadcasting major, is concerned with how long it will take her to get to her classes once the construction begins. "I hate being late," she said. Weekly makes the trip to Collegeview at least once a day, but "It's more like 10 times a week," she said. B.J. Wanninger, a senior life science major, either walks or rides his bike to get to his labs, also located on Collegeview Road. The thought of looping around, taking County Line Road, to Cleveland Avenue, to the building, doesn't sound appealing. "That would be such a far bike ride," Wanninger said. Wanninger is happy to graduate before the reconstruction, because of shared concerns by many art and communication majors.t&c;
(09/25/08 4:00am)
College and university presidents across the nation are taking time to "rethink the drinking age." The Amethyst Initiative, a coalition of chancellors and presidents from colleges and universities across the United States, has adopted this motto with the hope of decreasing binge drinking on campuses. They think that lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18 should be considered. According to Amethyst Initiative, this organization "supports informed and unimpeded debate on the 21-year-old drinking age." The Web site states that the age limit is not working because "adults under 21 are deemed capable of voting, signing contracts, serving on juries and enlisting in the military, but are told they are not mature enough to have a beer." As of Sept. 22, there are a total of 129 signatures on the presidential statement. Three of these presidents are from schools in Ohio: E. Gordon Gee of The Ohio State University, S. Georgia Nugent of Kenyon College and Dennison W. Griffith of Columbus College of Art & Design. Otterbein's President, C. Brent DeVore did not add his name to the list. DeVore sees the issue as very complex, and predicts that it would be misinterpreted. "I think unfortunately a lot of people have interpreted that [The Amethyst Initiative] came out with a hard and fast statement saying 'reduce the age of drinking from 21 to 18 and everything will go away' and that's not the case. They wanted to have a discussion about it," explained DeVore. DeVore is a firm believer in moderation. "It's a complex issue, it's education, it's a sense of understanding the moderate use of alcohol," he said. Some students may wonder if binge drinking is a relevant issue on Otterbein's campus. According to The Core Drug and Alcohol Survey conducted last spring, the annual consumption of alcohol by Otterbein students decreased by 3 percent, and binge drinking decreased almost 10 percent since 2005. Julie Saker, director of student conduct and wellness, organized the anonymous survey and was unable to pinpoint the exact cause of the drop in binge drinking. She said it could be one of multiple things, from enforcement by the college or students not having the opportunities to drink that they have had previously. While other colleges and universities are dealing with the dangers of binge drinking on their campuses, Otterbein is nearly 14 percent lower than the national average in those who partake in binge drinking. t&c;
(09/18/08 4:00am)
It has been said that the future is in the hands of our youth, this is certainly the case with Otterbein's Women's Volleyball team. Of the 15 players, 11 are freshmen. In fact, four of the six starters are new arrivals on Otterbein's campus. The Cardinals came into Wednesday's game with a record of 3-7. For their first home game of the season, the Cardinals beat the Big Red of Denison University (2-3) in three games 25-16, 25-11 and 25-10. Junior, Marinda Roderick, the team's starting setter, was happy to be on home ground. "We have been playing all over, it's nice to have a big crowd here to cheer for us," said Roderick This team of zero seniors has zero trouble with leadership. The three juniors, Roderick, Leah Yoder and Sarah Kelly are "extremely well respected," according to Head Coach Monica McDonald. Yoder led the team in blocks. "She had to have had at least six or seven [blocks]," explained Assistant Coach Tim Cole. McDonald added that the team had been practicing blocking all week and described Yoder's performance as a "blocking clinic." Though the Cardinals won the first game 25-16, the game could have gone either way. At one point the teams were tied at 10 but it was Otterbein that broke away. The second game was a different story. The Cardinals came out with a definite edge. Denison was lucky to have scored 11 points. By the third and final game, Otterbein scored 18 points before the Big Red had 3. In that final game, every member on the active roster made an appearance, leading to a true team victory. The only player that didn't make an appearance was freshman, Corinne Windle, who is out with an ankle injury but expected to return in two weeks. Windle's injury has left an important spot to fill and Alicia Chafins has done just that. "We have used her some on the left side, but really had been playing defense and used to attack from the back, said Coach McDonald. "She had really used every opportunity." In Wednesday's game Chafins finished the match with an impressive 17 kills. McDonald also wanted to draw attention to the freshman, defensive specialist. Renee Willke whose effort provided the Cardinals with a total of 16 digs in the team's victory. When the score was 24-10 of the match, the crowd continued to clap in unison until the home side score showed 25. It didn't take long. The Cardinals move to 4-7 on the year. t&c;